THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: Royal Ulster Rifles return home after long absence

From the News Letter, October 25, 1929
HMS Caroline a C-class light cruiser of the British Royal Navy (RN). Caroline was launched and commissioned in 1914, making her the second-oldest ship in RN service, after HMS Victory. She is the last remaining British Great War light cruiser in service, and the last survivor of the Battle of Jutland still afloat. Picture: Jonathan Porter/Press EyeHMS Caroline a C-class light cruiser of the British Royal Navy (RN). Caroline was launched and commissioned in 1914, making her the second-oldest ship in RN service, after HMS Victory. She is the last remaining British Great War light cruiser in service, and the last survivor of the Battle of Jutland still afloat. Picture: Jonathan Porter/Press Eye
HMS Caroline a C-class light cruiser of the British Royal Navy (RN). Caroline was launched and commissioned in 1914, making her the second-oldest ship in RN service, after HMS Victory. She is the last remaining British Great War light cruiser in service, and the last survivor of the Battle of Jutland still afloat. Picture: Jonathan Porter/Press Eye

An old lady in faded black clothes anxiously awaited the arrival of the Duke of Rothesay at Spencer Basin in Belfast the previous morning, reported the News Letter.

Her delight knew no bounds when she at last recognised her son, a gallant Rifleman in the 1st Battalion the Royal Ulster Rifles, who was returning home with his battalion after many years absence.

The old lady remarked to no one in particular: “I’m glad he’s home for a year or two.”

The Duke of Rothesay docked at 7am and immediately “married families” came ashore and were transported in motor vehicles to Victoria Barracks.

Baggage parties then got to work unloading the battalion’s stores from the ship. Meanwhile, some horses and a large number of dogs were disembarked.

Jack, the adjutant’s bull terrier was one of the first of the canine travellers to set foot ashore in Belfast.

Speaking to the News Letter Major-General A G Wanchope, the GOC of Northern Ireland district, said: “We had a most comfortable voyage and are glad to be here. We appreciated the great reception given us and our march up to barracks, and it was nice to hear greetings from old friends on the sidewalks.”

The following day (Saturday, October 26) the battalion was to receive an official welcome to the city and would parade before the City Hall.

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